CLIFF JOHNSON RELEASES FIRST RADIO AD, HIGHLIGHTING SUPPORT FROM CONGRESSMAN BENNIE THOMPSON AND OTHER PROMINENT DEMOCRATS

For Immediate Release:
www.cliffjohnsonforcongress.com

Contact:
Cliff Johnson
(662) 801-7510

TAYLOR, MS – January 12, 2026 – Today, First District Democratic Congressional Candidate Cliff Johnson, a 5th-generation Mississippian and civil rights attorney, released his campaign’s first radio advertisement, highlighting his work on behalf of Mississippi families and the endorsements of Congressman Bennie Thompson and other prominent Democrats.

In the ad, a North Mississippi family explains how Cliff Johnson fought for them when they were subjected to an unjust criminal legal system. Additionally, Johnson highlights in the ad support from prominent Democrats in Mississippi, including Congressman Bennie Thompson, State Senator Theresa Gillespie-Isom, and Lowndes County Supervisor Leroy Brooks.

Upon releasing the ad, Cliff Johnson issued the following statement:

“I’m proud to have spent my career fighting for families like the Burtons who were subjected to unfair and unjust treatment by a system that mistreated and traumatized their teenage daughter. I’m thankful they were willing to tell their story in this ad and to have their support. I’m also humbled by the endorsements of Congressman Thompson, State Senator Theresa Gillespie-Isom, and Supervisor Leroy Brooks.

“Congressman Bennie Thompson is an advocate for the people, for Mississippi, and for a better, more equitable life for every family that calls our state home. Throughout my career, I’ve had the opportunity to witness up close his grit and determination to make our state a better place. We share the belief that everyday Mississippians deserve for their hard work to be rewarded,and that they should have access to the kinds of jobs that provide the future they so desperately want. I am honored to have his support and to work with him to achieve that vision in Congress.”

Congressman Bennie Thompson said of Johnson:

“I am proud to have known Cliff Johnson for more than 20 years. He’s a 5th-generation

Mississippian who has spent his career as a civil rights attorney fighting bullies and standing up for the vulnerable. Now, more than ever, we need folks in D.C. who are not afraid to stand up against attacks on Mississippi families. That’s Cliff Johnson. I am proud to endorse Cliff to be your next Congressman from the First District, and I look forward to fighting alongside him on behalf of all Mississippians.”

The ad comes on the heels of Johnson’s impressive 4th quarter fundraising haul, raising more than $250,000 in his first 90 days in the race, the most any Democrat has ever raised solely from individuals in Mississippi’s 1st district in a single quarter and more than double the amount raised by Republican incumbent Trent Kelly during the same period. Johnson’s opponent in the upcoming March 10 Democratic Primary raised less than $10,000.

Link to radio ad:

https://next.frame.io/share/b2672dbe-41d7-43ba-b8bd-31ca7eb31675/reel/e0a5b6e9-455d-

Join the Campaign

Cliff Johnson’s campaign for Mississippi’s 1st District is built on grassroots support. To volunteer, donate, or learn more, visit www.cliffjohnsonforcongress.com or follow Cliff Johnson on social media.

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Cliff Johnson lives in the Springdale Community of rural Lafayette County with his wife of 35 years, Leigh. They have a son and daughter-in-law in Memphis, and a daughter and son-in-law in Atlanta. His parents, Jim and Alice Johnson, reside in Oxford.

Cliff graduated from Mississippi College and attended law school at Columbia University in New York, where he served on the Columbia Human Rights Law Review and was named a Charles Evans Hughes Fellow for his demonstrated interest in public service.

Cliff has practiced law in Mississippi for 33 years. He served as an Assistant United States Attorney, co-founded a law firm in Jackson, and, for 11 years has been the director of the MacArthur Justice Center at the University of Mississippi School of Law where he advocates for reform of Mississippi’s criminal legal system and teaches civil rights law and litigation. He has been named a National Trial Lawyer of the Year by Public Justice and the Mississippi Trial Lawyer of the Year by the Mississippi Association for Justice.